"Avoiding relegation is our objective, although we know it will be difficult."

Nancy have not been out of the relegation zone since mid-September, but are recovering from the 20-match run without a win that resulted in previous coach Jean Fernandez leaving the club in January.

Former Nancy player Gabriel, 50, had never coached in Ligue 1 before this season but has overseen six wins in 11 games ahead of this weekend's home clash with Evian, who are just three points above them in the table.

Rousselot was full of praise for Gabriel after Saturday's 1-1 draw at Ajaccio, saying: "The team is led by a coach who impresses me every day. He took on a difficult job, but he and his assistant are doing excellently."